We all know frogs. They’re cute, big eyed reptiles. However what if I told you that one little frog is being considered the face of an army. Seth Todd, known as the Portland frog, has become a symbol of protest against ICE. However, he may not understand how well his symbol fits protesters beliefs.

Seth Todd is a twenty-four year old, Mexican Latino who chose to don the frog suit as a way to protest against current president Donald J Trump. During this protest, Todd was pepper sprayed by ICE officers after trying to help a comrade up after they had been shoved. In an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive on Thursday October 9th, Todd reportedly stated “I’ve definitely had spicier tamales,” said Todd. Since then, Seth Todd has become a symbol for anti- Trump protests across America. Mr. Todd said he did not intend to take back the frog as a political symbol when he bought his $30 costume on Amazon several weeks into the Portland protests. He said he was just hoping to “make the president and the feds look dumb.” [New York times Oct. 11, 2025]

While the frog has become an unintentional political symbol, the symbolism behind frogs fit the beliefs held by the current protesters. For example, there is a fable about frogs, stating that if you place a frog in boiling water it will jump out immediately, however if you place a frog in warm water and slowly raise the temperature, the frog will stay even when the water starts to cook it. The story is used as a metaphor, illustrating how humans will grow accustomed to negative behavior and ignore it, even when it threatens their livelihood. During a No Kings Day protest, artist Robin Bell projected an animated video onto the Trump International Hotel in Washington. At one point showed the statement: “Fascism is a slow boil” with a frog featured. 

In an interview with Alan, a freshman here at LVA. Alan expressed his beliefs on the No Kings Day protests. “I think they’re really important, especially since they’re like, no violence, they’re peaceful or it’s a peaceful protest. I think it’s important that people are exercising their First Amendment right for freedom of speech,” said Alan.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said that the planned No Kings day protest is a Hate America rally. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson defended labeling this weekend’s “No Kings” rallies opposing President Donald Trump as “hate America” rallies, arguing that he was not referring to Democrats themselves but the message of the protesters. [abc News October 19, 2025]  This quote displays the villainization of these protests in the media.

Alan also expressed his disgust with this portrayal of the protesters. “I think that it’s horrible there. It’s a First Amendment right to be able to protest and to use your freedom of speech, especially if someone in power is currently not doing so good,” said Alan.

Seth Todd and the protesters of the No Kings Day protests have made a lasting impact on American media. Despite their demonization, there have been multiple reports of protesters and police force clashing physically. However they’ve been otherwise peaceful,  choosing to continue their protest with their voice.